Doesn’t sound too difficult, right? Well, like any other business decision, this one can have its share of challenges, whether it has to do with a registrar’s responsiveness, cost, or the thoroughness of their auditing capabilities… you might even be surprised to learn that you’re dealing with an unaccredited registrar, meaning that their certificates would not be accredited – and possibly invalid – a total waste of your resources. (Follow the two preceding links to make sure you’re aware of some of the potential pitfalls that can hamper your progress.)
The truth is that certification bodies, or registrars, come in all shapes and sizes and it takes a little bit of planning and research on your part in order to narrow the field to get the best possible results from the certification process. I’ve put together the following recommendations according to two different mindsets that we encounter with our consulting clients every day: choices governed by either “preference” or (as you probably guessed), cost.
Approach #1: Selecting by Preference
I should probably start by explaining what I mean by “preference.” To me, this means choosing a registrar whose name and certification carries weight in your industry or region. This is a great way to establish your organization because the registrar is recognized in the industry and familiar, adding a great degree of legitimacy when you might need to open new doors or new markets. Some ideas:
- Go with what they know – Have you taken a look at which certification bodies are used by your most important customers? Especially in cases where a customer is pushing you to become certified, this step can help steer you in the right direction. While it’s important to make sure the potential registrar is a good match for you, your customer’s use of the registrar puts you on a similar playing field when it comes to delivering products and services at a reliable and consistent level.
- Go with a global leader – Take the time to research the top registrars in the world. A few to consider are DNVGL, BSI, SGS, Lloyd’s and Bureau Veritas. The global reach of these certification bodies and their prominence can provide you (and your customers) with the assurance that the certificate is solid.
- Check regionally-recognized registrars – You can focus on registrars who operate within your local area, or if expansion plans are in your future, you can select a registrar that is know and recognized in the market you plan to commence operations in. Of course, this will vary by industry and region, so take the time to research customers and competitors to identify the right mix of certification bodies.
- Take a look at the industry – Sometimes, you might just need to focus on the industry as a whole and draw out a pattern to identify which registrars are being utilized by the biggest or most important players. Registrars like DNVGL or ABS might be well-known in the Oil & Gas industry, but if you’re in Manufacturing, Transportation or Chemicals, there may be another registrar that enjoys more visibility. This can change even within niche categories in an overall industry, so be thorough.
Approach #2: Selecting by Cost
It goes without saying that you want to get the most value from this process, so cost is an important consideration, regardless of where exactly it falls in your list of priorities. The following tips may help you study the selection process from a cost-based perspective.
- Get multiple quotes – In theory, the registrars are all performing the same functions to meet the requirements of the IAF or accreditation bodies. In practice, there are many ways in which the delivery of services can differ, and these ultimately show up in the final costs you see. These can include variation in yearly fees, number of audit days required or even travel fees for out-of-town auditors. Requesting multiple quotes helps you understand costs and prepares you for the final selection, whether you choose the lowest bidder or not.
- Size matters (sometimes) – There are global registrars, and there are small players… I’ve found that some of the smaller registrars can be slightly more flexible with their costs. For example, a friend of mine operates a small registrar company that represents another organization in Europe. Someone operating at that level might be more willing to give you a price break, especially during negotiation.
- Did somebody say “negotiation”? Yes, you heard right. There may be some leeway in the final fee, but keep in mind that they must abide by accreditation body rules so there is only so much room they have to cut costs. For example, there are stipulations on the number of site audit days that cannot be reduced below the minimum established by the IAF.
- Did somebody say “accreditation”? Okay, so you found a registrar that is willing to give you an enormous discount? A lot of the tips above are meant to help you avoid the one thing you can’t afford: a certificate from an unaccredited registrar. Why go through the time, resources and cost just to end up with a fishy certificate? When in doubt, request a copy of their certificate and research the accreditation. While accreditation is optional in most countries, it always helps to know that your chosen registrar has demonstrated independent confirmation of their competence.
Where to go from here?
If you feel like your “to-do” list just got longer, remember the old carpenter’s maxim: “Measure twice, cut once.” In this case, it can be the difference between establishing effective processes, or just getting another expensive piece of paper to show off. The investment you’re about to make is only worth it if you can make the best of each opportunity to fine-tune your organization from the inside out. Good luck on your certification journey!
